Aliev double paves the way for a laboured victory!

What a match my friends! And what a performance from Aliev!! After starting on the wrong foot, Lokomotiv managed to respond and eventually run out 3-2 winners against a very strong Dynamo side. As expected, it was a laboured win - a win which remained in the balance till the very last second of the match. How wrong was the commentator who declared the match over as Tarasov netted in the third! Although Kombarov gave the visitors hope with a 87 minute penalty there was no final drama as Lokomotiv held firm to bring home the precious 3 points. As the title and the introduction suggests, Aliev ran the show for Lokomotiv. Man of the match. Apart of starting the most of home side moves, Aliev charged his troops as first netted the equaliser through a perfect volley and then delivered home a trademark freekick. However, if Aliev was key in offence, Tarasov was key in defence. Once again the former Citizen was immense in the middle and together with Dujmovic bossed the middle of the park for the best periods of the match. Another one who impressed was Malkhaz Asatiani who had a good match at the back.

For the match against the former KGB club, Yury Semin made 3 changes from last encounter. While the backline was left unchanged, Tomislav Dujmovic regained his place in the line-up at the expense of Charles. Tarasov partnered the big Croation in the middle while Odemwingie, Aliev and Sychev assisted the returning Traore in attack. As the line-up suggests Semin kept his 4-2-3-1 formation. Unfortunately there was no place for Torbinsky who was demoted to the youth squad in order to regain his confidence.

The match started with a minute of silence in homage of those killed in the terrorist attacks this week. From this blog, I would like to offer my condolences to the relatives and friends of those killed, Rest in Peace. As agreed between the two sets of fans, in another act of homage to those who lost their lives, the first ten minutes of the match were played in total silence. Amazing act of solidarity - never seen something similar. Credit to all the fans who put aside their differences and believes and joined the forces to pay a deserved tribute to the unlucky 40 who lost their lives. Back to the chronicle, as last week, Lokomotiv came out stronger but weren't the first to draw blood. After that Aliev and Asatiani threatened Gabulov, Dynamo scored with their first real opportunity. A good cross the left evaded both Basha and Guilherme and from just 2 metres Voronin headed home to open his account for Dynamo. Lokomotiv failed to response, worser they were ineffective in attack and shaky in defence. Neverthless, from no where Aliev brought the home team level. An unharmful cross from the Kuzmin was dealt badly by Kolodin and presented an opportunity to Aliev who eventually made no mistake and volleyed home the equaliser. One-all was the score at half-time.

Bouyed by Aliev equaliser, Lokomotiv came out stronger in the second half, yet it was Dinamo that again threatened through a freekick of Samedov which Guilherme tipped over with some difficulty. With nearly 20 minutes remaining, Lokomotiv were awarded in an Aliev-position. The same Aliev stepped in and let a beauty into the net. Lokomotiv stadium erupted! From then on, Lokomotiv looked to have relaxed a little and thus Semin threw Smolnikov in the place of Traore. Aliev soon followed Traore and Charles took his place. The latter, being just few minutes on pitch soon threatened as his curling shot brought out the best of Gabulov. From the resulting corner Tarasov headed home for his first ever Lokomotiv goal. Barely a minute had passed and the two-goal cushion was again reduced to one as Dynamo were awarded a generous penalty for an adjudged infringement from Tarasov. Dmitry Kombarov made no mistake but neverthless it made no difference as Lokomotiv held out for a derby victory! 3-2 the final score!

All goals can be seen by clicking HERE.

Player Ratings:

Guilherme - 5

Strong on crosses but questionable position for the first goal.

Kuzmin - 6

Composed. Delivered some good crosses and closed down well.

Asatiani - 7

A rock at the back. Inspired confidence throughout all the team.

Basha - 5.5

Lost Voronin for the first goal. Improved in the second half

Yanbaev - 6

Unusually quiet. Rarely troubled at the back.

Dujmovic - 6.5

Put in some good tackles. His block on Khokhlov was key for Lokomotiv as Dynamo were pressing for the draw.

Tarasov - 7

What a match from the former Citizen. Industrious performance. His goal was the icing on the cake. Harshly given a penalty against.

Odemwingie - 6

Some sparks but with no end product. Assisted Tarasov for the third goal.

Sychev - 6

Passed a late fitness test but still his lack of fitness was evident. Neverthless an encouraging showing.

Aliev - 8

Scored a brace and was the mind behind every Lokomotiv attack. Charged his troops to victory. Already a crowd favourite!

Traore - 6.5

Hardworking performance from the Malian. Failed to score but forced Kolodin into a mistake from which Aliev stroked.

Substitutions:

Smolnikov - 6.5

His speed created some problems as the match became stretched. His speed is a perfect weapon for counter attacks

Charles - N/A

Nearly scored in his few minutes on pitch

Glushakov - N/A

Introduced to waste precious seconds.